What is a protected disclosure?

A protected disclosure is specifically designed to safeguard individuals, particularly employees or professionals, who report misconduct in good faith. By having protections in place for those disclosures, the intention is to encourage reporting of wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.

In this context, when an AAT licensed member makes a required disclosure regarding certain breaches, they are protected from potential allegations that could arise from confidentiality breaches. This means that the law provides them with assurances that reporting these issues will not lead to negative consequences for their career or reputation, fostering an environment where unethical practices can be addressed promptly and responsibly.

The other options do not capture this essence of protection against retaliation when revealing sensitive information. Voluntary reporting of suspected crimes may not provide the same safeguards. An audit summary, while it may contain critical information, does not necessarily involve whistleblowing protections. Complaints about internal policies typically pertain to grievances rather than disclosures of misconduct that merit legal protections.